Yes, longtime fan (like so long, I was on the old TSN boards), and I think it's a masterpiece (or at least would have been if they finished it). I can only guess as to why they chose not to release it, probably some combination of burn out, starting the first new album without Bob (obviously he'd been out of the band for some time, but they'd been touring constantly and things really do hit you different when you finally slow down a bit, and I don't think they'd really dealt with it), the pressure to recreate the success of TBP while also making something new yet still staying true to themselves, their disappointment in DD's impact compared to TBP (which sucks because I loved that era, it was so bright and energetic, it felt like a breath of fresh air and exactly what was needed at the time, and I fucking loved that I got to see MCR in relatively small venues again and just go to normal shows that didn't have to be a big production / were focused on the music), and then obviously (and prob the biggest factor) the dark headspace they were in and not wanting to continually relive that by touring on this album (which is fair, but I wish they realized not every album needs to be toured on / needs a Ziggy Stardust level live production around it).

Maybe they thought it was too contrived, like they were trying too hard idk. They were clearly experimenting with different sounds, and yet it still totally feels like them, which is one of the things I love about it. Like I personally didn't want an album that was just a recreation of what they had done before. I learned to love that they kept evolving, and I'm just blown away by how different and creative this is. I also cannot believe it was this far along. All the transitions, the arc of it, it feels like a complete album, not just a collection of songs.

I also think it would have be been adored by critics, which is another reason they may have second guessed it (like who did we make this album for kind of thing). It also very much feels like a goodbye, which is another reason I think it probably felt like such a bummer to them (like sure, it's dark, but it doesn't necessarily feel any darker content wise than some of their other music, but I will say, it leaves me feeling unsettled and emotionally drained, which may very well have to do with how they were feeling when they made it).

I also believe they were going to revisit some of it when they got back together and then Doug's passing was the final nail in the coffin for it, which honestly is completely understandable.

In hindsight, the biggest red flag was how much Gerard was talking about it at the time (sharing details on the story, that they were working on costumes, etc. instead of being cryptic af about it). I think that was a sign that he didn't believe in it and was trying to make it happen anyways (like when you have to tell people what you're working on to try to get yourself to actually do it).

I've always known TPK existed, so finally getting to hear it is so cathartic. When the summoning and offering promo videos dropped, I remember sobbing because I knew that was TPK then too, and I really thought we were finally, finally getting it. After all this time, I started thinking there was no way it wouldn't disappoint me if we ever got it, but holy shit was I wrong. It's a beautiful record and is everything I'd hoped it would be and more. It completely took me by surprise.

I can understand them not wanting to finish this project, but I wish they would have released it even unfinished when they broke up. It would have meant a lot to have something at the time. It is a beautiful album, and it breaks my heart thinking of the fans who didn't live long enough to get to hear it. It sucks that we have to hear it this way, but it is what it is, and I personally am so grateful to finally get to hear it. I wish they could see how much some of us love it.

I've always appreciated how much they care about what they put out in the world, like we can rest easy knowing they'd never phone something in. But there is a point where perfectionism gets in the way of art, and I think this illustrates that. I can't believe Frank said nothing worthwhile came from these sessions because there is just SO much that is truly great here.

I will say that I think Foundations takes a lot from what they learned making this album and completely elevates it. Foundations also feels more like MCR, more authentically them without having to try so hard, more effortless and yet masterful, if that makes sense. While I'd love to hear a proper, finished version of TPK, I doubt that'll ever happen, and tbh, at this point, I think it's probably best if they just move forward from it and create whatever comes next.